Patents by Inventor Robert J. Ball

Robert J. Ball has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11259939
    Abstract: An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Embody, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Sean Churchill, Robert J. Ball, Douglas Snell, Isaac Running, Christopher K. Jones, Brandon Bryant
  • Publication number: 20220054272
    Abstract: Provided is an implant for restoring the mobility of an articular end of a bone. The implant includes a framework having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the framework is defined by a plurality of free volumes formed by a grating, where the grating includes a first series of bars extending through the framework from the first face to the second face, and a second series of bars extending through the framework from the first face to the second face, wherein the second series of bars are parallel to one another, and spaced apart in pairs, where the bars have ends along the second face that are bevelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: TORNIER SAS
    Inventors: Irene GOSSET, Robert J. BALL, Yves-Alain RATRON
  • Patent number: 11197762
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to restore the mobility of an articular end (2) of a bone (3) of a patient by means of a reconstruction implant. This implant (1), which permits reconstruction both of bone and of cartilage, comprises a grated framework (10) and a sheet (20) made of a biological tissue material, this sheet firmly covering one face (11) of the framework, while the opposite face (12) is designed to be pressed rigidly against, and firmly joined to, the end of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TORNIER SAS
    Inventors: Irene Gosset, Robert J. Ball, Yves-Alain Ratron
  • Publication number: 20210338446
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20210322034
    Abstract: Provided is a method of resecting a humerus, including positioning a multi-part guide on the humerus, where the multi-part guide includes a support portion and a positioning jig; advancing at least two mounting pins through the support portion along diverging paths; removing the positioning jig; and resecting the humerus with reference to a cutting surface of the support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: George S. ATHWAL, Christopher K. BADE, Robert J. BALL, Pierric DERANSART, Nicolas R. NEICHEL, William J. SLONE, Robert Z. TASHJIAN, Gilles WALCH
  • Publication number: 20210307918
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to stemmed and stemless humeral anchors for use in shoulder arthroplasty procedures. For example, the humeral anchor can include a first end, a second end, and an interior surface extending between the first end and the second end. The interior surface can be disposed about a recess disposed between the first end and the second end. The recess can be configured to secure a coupling of a shoulder articular body directly to the interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: TORNIER, INC.
    Inventors: Pierric DERANSART, Christopher K. BADE, William J. SLONE, Robert J. BALL, Gilles WALCH, Pascal BOILEAU, George S. ATHWAL, Jon JP WARNER, Robert Z. TASHJIAN, Jay D. KEENER, Shawn M. GARGAC, Austin Wyatt MUTCHLER, David R. STUMP, Alexander Paul WOLFE, Kevin P. KNOX
  • Publication number: 20210275161
    Abstract: A surgical anchoring device may include a first beam and a second beam each extending along a longitudinal direction; and a connecting member bridging a first proximal portion of the first beam to a second proximal portion of the second beam such that the first beam is substantially aligned with the second beam. In addition, the anchoring device may include a first barb protruding from a medial side of the first beam, wherein the first barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction; and a second barb protruding from a medial side of the second beam, wherein the second barb extends diagonally in a generally proximal direction. The first barb may include a proximal facing surface that is separated from the first beam by a recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Isaac Running, Robert J. Ball, Douglas Snell, R. Sean Churchill, Louis McIntyre, Nathan Kemper
  • Publication number: 20210275322
    Abstract: An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: R. Sean Churchill, Robert J. Ball, Douglas Snell, Isaac Running, Christopher K. Jones, Brandon Bryant
  • Publication number: 20210220151
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for implanting glenoid prostheses are disclosed. In various embodiments, a method for performing shoulder surgery can include guiding a guide pin into the glenoid surface along a reaming axis. A partial reaming guide can be placed in contact with the glenoid surface over the guide pin. A reamer can be guided over the guide pin to ream the glenoid surface. The reamer can be further advanced over the guide pin until the reamer contacts the partial reaming guide, whereby such contact limits reaming to only a portion of the glenoid surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Pierric Deransart, William J. Slone, Robert J. Ball, Gilles Walch, Pascal Boileau, George S. Athwal, Jon J.P. Warner, Robert Z. Tashjian, Jay D. Keener, Charles L. Penninger, JR., Ryan D. Koepke, Matthew Victor Kartholl, Marine Godelu, Douglas Charles Garman
  • Patent number: 11065125
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Shoulder Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20210212837
    Abstract: Humeral prosthetic implants, systems, kits and methods of forming and using the humeral prosthetic implants, systems and kits are disclosed. The humeral prosthetic implants include proximal cup portions and distal stem portions, wherein the proximal cup portion is joined to the distal stem portion at a desired offset and/or angle configured based on an analysis of the humeral diaphysis and/or metaphysis offset in a patient. The humeral prosthetic implants may also include an adapter configured to join the proximal cup component with the stem component, wherein the adapter is configured to join the stem component to the stemless cup at a desired offset and/or angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: IMASCAP SAS
    Inventor: Robert J. BALL
  • Publication number: 20210137693
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide porous fixation rings by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running
  • Patent number: 10987226
    Abstract: Humeral prosthetic implants, systems, kits and methods of forming and using the humeral prosthetic implants, systems and kits are disclosed. The humeral prosthetic implants include proximal cup portions and distal stem portions, wherein the proximal cup portion is joined to the distal stem portion at a desired offset and/or angle configured based on an analysis of the humeral diaphysis and/or metaphysis offset in a patient. The humeral prosthetic implants may also include an adapter configured to join the proximal cup component with the stem component, wherein the adapter is configured to join the stem component to the stemless cup at a desired offset and/or angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: IMASCAP SAS
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Patent number: 10959742
    Abstract: A humeral guide is provided that has a first portion or member configured to be positioned on a portion of a proximal humerus. The first portion or member can be configured to rest in a complementary manner on the portion of the proximal humerus. The humeral guide can be configured with apertures defining trajectories through bone, the pin trajectories being diverging in some case and in some cases being selected to enhanced support. A second portion or member and a third portion or member of the humeral guide are configured to be positioned on first and second lateral portions of the humerus distal to a location intended for resection, e.g., between an anatomical neck and a distal end of the humerus. The second and third portions or members or portions are configured to rest in a complementary manner on the first and second lateral portions of the humerus. The humeral guide can be configured to avoid soft tissue between a bone facing side and the humerus. The humeral guide can have a removeable jig portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tornier, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Athwal, Christopher K. Bade, Robert J. Ball, Pierric Deransart, Nicolas R. Neichel, William J. Slone, Robert Z. Tashjian, Gilles Walch
  • Publication number: 20210038401
    Abstract: In some embodiments, disclosed is a glenohumeral implant with improved joint mobility. The implant can include a backing component; a neutral non-inclined bearing component on a concave side of the backing component, the bearing component made from a different material than the backing component and configured to touch a glenosphere having a center of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, Donald E. Running
  • Publication number: 20200237519
    Abstract: An implant is disclosed that has a base member, an articulating member, and a coupling portion that secures the base member to the articulating member. The implant can be a shoulder implant (100, 200, 300) that has a baseplate (102, 230, 310), an articulating component (104, 210), and a fixation component (106, 270, 342). The baseplate includes a first side (110, 234, 314) with a projection (108, 240, 320) that has a first Morse taper and may be offset from a center line of the baseplate and a second side (116, 236, 316) that has a post or stem (114, 250, 330) that is offset from the center line of the baseplate. The articulating component includes a cavity (122, 220) with a second Morse taper that is offset from a center line of the articulating component. The articulating component is attachable to the baseplate when the projection is received in the cavity of the articulation component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Robert J. Ball, William J. Slone
  • Publication number: 20190216606
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to restore the mobility of an articular end (2) of a bone (3) of a patient by means of a reconstruction implant. This implant (1), which permits reconstruction both of bone and of cartilage, comprises a grated framework (10) and a sheet (20) made of a biological tissue material, this sheet firmly covering one face (11) of the framework, while the opposite face (12) is designed to be pressed rigidly against, and firmly joined to, the end of the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Irene GOSSET, Robert J. BALL, Yves-Alain RATRON
  • Publication number: 20190046326
    Abstract: Humeral prosthetic implants, systems, kits and methods of forming and using the humeral prosthetic implants, systems and kits are disclosed. The humeral prosthetic implants include proximal cup portions and distal stem portions, wherein the proximal cup portion is joined to the distal stem portion at a desired offset and/or angle configured based on an analysis of the humeral diaphysis and/or metaphysis offset in a patient. The humeral prosthetic implants may also include an adapter configured to join the proximal cup component with the stem component, wherein the adapter is configured to join the stem component to the stemless cup at a desired offset and/or angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20190015119
    Abstract: A humeral guide is provided that has a first portion or member configured to be positioned on a portion of a proximal humerus. The first portion or member can be configured to rest in a complementary manner on the portion of the proximal humerus. The humeral guide can be configured with apertures defining trajectories through bone, the pin trajectories being diverging in some case and in some cases being selected to enhanced support. A second portion or member and a third portion or member of the humeral guide are configured to be positioned on first and second lateral portions of the humerus distal to a location intended for resection, e.g., between an anatomical neck and a distal end of the humerus. The second and third portions or members or portions are configured to rest in a complementary manner on the first and second lateral portions of the humerus. The humeral guide can be configured to avoid soft tissue between a bone facing side and the humerus. The humeral guide can have a removeable jig portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: George S. Athwal, Christopher K. Bade, Robert J. Ball, Pierric Deransart, Nicolas R. Neichel, William J. Slone, Robert Z. Tashjian, Gilles Walch
  • Publication number: 20180368982
    Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventor: Robert J. Ball